Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir — the deadliest since Pulwama in 2019 — multiple countries have swiftly updated their travel advisories for India. Canada has urged its citizens to exercise heightened caution, while the United States issued an even stronger “Do Not Travel” warning specifically for Jammu and Kashmir. With rising security concerns and diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan, global attention is once again sharply focused on Kashmir’s volatile landscape.
Canada Issues High Caution Advisory for India
On April 25, 2025, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory, recommending citizens “exercise a high degree of caution” while traveling anywhere in India. The advisory especially highlights the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks, the potential for sudden civil unrest, and the possibility of border closures, particularly at the Attari-Wagah crossing between India and Pakistan.
Canadian authorities urged travelers to:
- Avoid crowded places like markets, religious sites, and public gatherings.
- Stay alert to local news and security updates.
- Exercise extreme caution in areas prone to violence or protests.
The advisory underscores that even typically popular tourist destinations are not immune to emerging threats.
US Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Jammu and Kashmir
The United States Department of State moved swiftly after the Pahalgam attack to update its India advisory, specifically designating Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh) under its strictest “Do Not Travel” category.
US citizens were explicitly warned against visiting Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam — destinations long considered major draws for tourists. The advisory also strongly discourages traveling within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border, citing risks of armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest.
The heightened US warning reflects concerns over further potential violence in the Valley following the massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam.
United Kingdom Advisory: Urging Vigilance
The United Kingdom also maintains an advisory for India, particularly focused on Jammu and Kashmir. Although the UK had already cautioned against all travel to the region (excluding travel to Ladakh via Manali and air routes to Leh), the latest updates reinforce the risks after the Pahalgam incident.
Key points from the UK advisory include:
- Avoiding all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Leh).
- Remaining alert to local developments.
- Monitoring government warnings and adjusting plans accordingly.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) emphasized that travel insurance policies may be invalidated if travelers ignore official advice.
Diplomatic Fallout: India-Pakistan Tensions Rise
In response to the attack, India took significant diplomatic action against Pakistan, citing credible evidence of cross-border involvement. Measures included:
- Suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960.
- Expelling Pakistani military attachés.
- Downgrading overall diplomatic engagement.
These steps reflect the serious deterioration of relations and add another layer of instability to the regional situation, which international travelers are now being warned about.
Summing Up
The Pahalgam terror attack has reignited security fears in Kashmir and triggered swift international reactions. With Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom all updating their travel advisories, travelers are being urged to rethink plans involving Jammu and Kashmir and stay vigilant across India. As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate and regional security remains unpredictable, caution, awareness, and flexibility are essential for anyone considering travel to South Asia in the near future.
